Tonya attends Holy Tabernacle Church and serves as an Usher
there. She also sings in the Women's Choir. Her faith is
strong and permeates her life including adding a foundation to the
poetry she writes. Whatever the problems of life, she is able to
turn to God.

Currently attending Roxbury Community College as a full-time nursing
student, she is also the mother of four children and six
grandchildren. "We are a very close knit family."

"I enjoy writing poetry and started writing at the age of nine. I
love writing poetry. My plans are to write a biography - the
story of my life - in poetry form.

Tonya read her poem at the February 19, 2013 Open Mic Poetry Reading at the Uphams Corner Branch Library.